​AUGUSTA, Maine (Wednesday, August 28, 2024) – The Maine State Chamber of Commerce issued the following statement regarding the Maine Department of Labor’s (MDOL) revised rules governing Maine’s Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program that were announced today:
 
“The Maine State Chamber of Commerce appreciates the Mills Administration proposing improvements to the Paid Family and Medical Leave program rules and the opportunity to provide additional comments before the program is finalized,” said Maine State Chamber President and CEO Patrick Woodcock. “While the Chamber will provide additional recommendations, the new proposal improves the timeline for utilizing private plans for compliance. We appreciate the hundreds of comments from the Maine business community that provided feedback on this rule and will continue to work with Maine DOL and the Maine Legislature to develop a paid family and medical leave program that provides critical support for households and recognizes the impact on Maine's economy."
 
The Maine State Chamber is encouraged by the Maine DOL’s proposed revisions to the rules in the following areas:
 

• Private plans: The new proposed rule allows employers to declare private plans at least 12 months earlier than the previous rule, which would allow employers and employees alike to reduce the contribution of payroll taxes for a system that will never be utilized.

 

• Hardship: The new proposal revises the ability for businesses to assert a hardship for leave as authorized by the Maine statute. Previously, the language placed the burden on businesses to justify the hardship.

 
For more information on the Maine State Chamber’s previous recommendations to MDOL on the proposed PFML rules, including the Maine State Chamber’s June 10, 2024, public hearing testimony before MDOL and a recording of the Maine State Chamber’s June 6, 2024 roundtable with businesses, please click here or visit www.mainechamber.org/pfml. 

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​AUGUSTA, Maine (Wednesday, July 31, 2024) - The Maine State Chamber of Commerce is asking all 2024 Maine State House and Senate candidates where they stand on transparency in the legislative process in a questionnaire sent this week to the approximately 350 candidates for the Maine State Legislature. The Maine State Chamber is urging greater transparency in the legislative process. Candidate responses, which the Chamber will share publicly, will help measure each candidate’s commitment to transparency and increasing the public’s ability to participate in lawmaking.
 
“A clear and transparent process by which a bill can become Maine law is imperative to the public’s and the business community’s ability to participate in policymaking,” said Patrick Woodcock, president and CEO of the Maine State Chamber. “As part of the Maine State Chamber’s efforts to partner on improving transparency in policymaking and increasing the public’s and the business community’s awareness of legislative activity and access to the policymaking process, we are asking all Maine State House and Senate candidates where they stand on this basic governance issue in a brief questionnaire.”
 
The Maine State Chamber has raised concerns about the increasing erosion of transparency in the legislative process, specifically as it relates to “concept drafts” – or vague placeholder bill proposals that are absent of detailed language – and the lack of advance language on bill amendments as they go before legislative committees.
 
The Maine State Chamber testified on the need for greater transparency at the Maine State Legislature’s Joint Rules Committee hearing on July 18, 2024. In an April 3, 2024, letter to legislative leaders urging reforms to the legislative rules to make public policymaking more transparent to and inclusive of the public, Woodcock wrote, “The Maine State Legislature has developed a transparency problem that must be addressed prior to the convening of the next Legislature.”
 
The four questions for candidates in the Maine State Chamber’s questionnaire are:

1. How familiar are you with the process of advancing a legislative proposal from a bill to a law?
2. Do you believe that it is important that the legislative process is consistent and transparent to members of the public?
3. Would you support legislative rules requiring that the legislative committee process be consistent across all legislative committees?
4. Would you support a legislative rule change requiring that all legislation and amendments under consideration be publicly available at least 24 hours prior to a public hearing and/or work session?

 
The Maine State Chamber wrote to candidates, “Your responses are important to improving legislative transparency and efficiency, and to providing key insights for our members, the business community, and all Maine voters. We plan to publicly share a summary of candidate responses in late August or early September.”

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​On July 16, 2024, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce announced the formation of the “Invest in Maine’s Future” ballot question committee and campaign supporting the $25 million Research and Development and Commercialization bond question on this November’s ballot. Through the “Invest in Maine’s Future” campaign, the Maine State Chamber and its partners will lead a conversation with Maine voters about how their investment in scientific research will strengthen Maine communities and families by spurring innovation in our state’s heritage farming, fishing, and forestry industries, accelerating Maine’s life sciences sector, and creating dynamic new industries in all corners of the state.
 
The committee will also advocate for long-term support for R&D funding for innovation and job growth to keep Maine competitive. Members of the ballot question committee include a growing group of organizations representing diverse industries and regions across the state. To date, committee members include The Jackson Laboratory, FocusMaine, Startup Maine, Bioscience Association of Maine, Maine Composites Alliance, Maine Forest Products Council, MDI Biological Laboratory, BioHarbor Strategies, and Aroostook Partnership.
 
Maine State Chamber President and CEO Patrick Woodcock said, “The R&D bond on November’s ballot is an investment in our state’s economic future. Maine businesses and entrepreneurs can leverage state support to invest in innovative products and new machinery and leverage our state’s competitive advantages. We look forward to having a conversation with Maine voters about the benefits of research and development and urging them to vote yes on November 5.”
 
Woodcock added, “Maine lags other states when it comes to R&D investments and that has a long-term cost to our economy in bringing economic opportunity to our state. Supporting this investment is a critical first step toward stable and sustained state R&D investments for our economy.”
 
The Maine Economic Growth Council’s 2023 “Measures of Growth” report showed that Maine lags the country in research and development (R&D) spending, ranking 44th of 50 states. The Maine 2020-2029 Economic Development Strategy prominently calls for increased innovation, to be driven by investments in research and development, highlighting evidence of state returns on prior investments.
 
Maine voters last approved a research and development bond in 2017. According to the Mills administration, $45 million approved at that time helped leverage more than $224 million in private sector matching investments and had an impact of more than $1 billion on the Maine economy. The investment also generated 1,770 direct new jobs and roughly twice as many indirect and induced jobs.
 
During the 131st Maine Legislature, L.D. 416, An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue for Research and Development and Commercialization, sponsored by Sen. Teresa S. Pierce, D-Falmouth, was passed and signed by Governor Janet Mills. Maine voters will have an opportunity on Election Day - Tuesday, November 5, 2024 - to endorse the $25 million bond.
 
“It is time to invest in our evolving Research and Development industries,” said Sen. Pierce. “Growing these industries means supporting Maine’s economic potential and creating an environment that keeps Mainers and their talent in Maine and encourages others to come to Maine and contribute to these industries. I’m grateful for the strong bipartisan coalition of legislators, in both the Senate and the House, that supported my bill to issue this R&D bond. I encourage all voters to learn more and support this measure in November.”
 
If approved in November, the bond will support innovation and job growth in several of Maine’s key industry sectors, including biotechnology, composites and advanced materials, environmental technologies, forest products and agriculture, information technology, marine technology and aquaculture, and precision manufacturing. The Maine Technology Institute will oversee the competitive grant review and award process, which will be open to Maine-based public and private institutions and will require grantees to match state funds with at least an equal amount of private investment.
 
For more information and to learn how you can join and support the “Invest in Maine’s Future” campaign, please email [email protected] or call (207) 623-4568.
 

For Immediate Release                                                                                         Media contact: Jen Webber
Monday, July 8, 2024                                                                                                       Cell: 207-939-0213

​AUGUSTA, Maine (Monday, July 8, 2024) – The Maine State Chamber of Commerce submitted written comments on proposed Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) rules to the Maine Department of Labor (MDOL) today. Today is the last day of MDOL’s comment period on the proposed rules, which were published on May 20, 2024, following the Maine State Legislature’s passing and enacting Maine’s PFML law in 2023 establishing the State program. Previously, Maine State Chamber President and CEO Patrick Woodcock provided testimony at a public hearing on June 10th in Augusta. 
 
In Woodcock’s written comments and letter to MDOL Paid Family and Medical Leave Program Director Luke Monahan, Woodcock thanked MDOL for the opportunity to comment on the proposed rules and shared, “The Maine Chamber of Commerce has a profound interest in making the PFML program work for its members and employees. The PFML program is the most consequential state initiative to affect employers and employees alike in decades. 
 
“We appreciate the time and effort from the Department of Labor to implement this program under significant time pressure with financial contributions commencing in less than six months. At the same time, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce believes the rules must be overhauled to be consistent with the statute, and there are numerous areas in the proposed rules that require clarification. 
 
“Specifically, the utilization of private plans for compliance, a major discussion point during the legislative process and integral to other state plans, is subverted by the rules that will cause enormous financial hardship in a matter of months on businesses and employees alike. Furthermore, the hardship provision is inconsistent with the statute by undercutting a key role of the employer in determining a reasonable hardship. These two provisions are fundamental to the Maine PFML statute and must be overhauled in the rules. 
 
“The Maine State Chamber looks forward to partnering in the implementation of Maine’s PFML program.”
 
For more information on the Maine State Chamber’s recommendations to MDOL on the proposed PFML rules, including the Maine State Chamber’s June 10, 2024,  public hearing  testimony before MDOL and a recording of the Maine State Chamber’s June 6, 2024 roundtable with businesses, please click here or visit www.mainechamber.org/pfml.

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About the Maine State Chamber of Commerce:
Founded in 1889, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce is Maine’s largest business association, serving as “The Voice of Maine Business” on behalf of thousands of employers of all sizes and sectors across the state. The Maine State Chamber focuses on three pillars - Advocacy, Access, and Awareness - to advance a positive business climate and secure a strong state economy in which Maine businesses can compete and succeed. For more information, please visit www.mainechamber.org.

For Immediate Release                                                                                         Media contact: Jen Webber
Thursday, April 11, 2024                                                                                                      Cell: 207-939-0213

AUGUSTA, Maine (Thursday, April 11, 2024) -- The Maine Economic Research Institute, (MERI), announced today its “Watch List” of priority bills it is tracking in the 131st Maine State Legislature. Legislators will be given scores on their votes on these priority bills that impact Maine’s economy after the legislative session concludes. Legislator scores and ratings are expected to be announced in late summer in MERI’s “Roll Call” publication. Since the 1990s, MERI has provided objective, research-based analysis of state legislator votes that impact Maine’s business community, economy, and economic competitiveness.
 
MERI President Simon West said, “Legislation selected for MERI’s Watch List is based on the potential to impact Maine’s economic goals, and for Maine businesses’ ability to grow and compete on a local, regional, and global stage. MERI’s approach to transparent, objective, and nonpartisan scoring is a critical component in ensuring Maine people know how their legislators’ votes are impacting the economy where they live, work, and run a business.”
 
Maine State Chamber President and CEO Patrick Woodcock said, “For decades, MERI has provided Maine voters with key insight on legislators’ votes on the critical issues for Maine’s economy. MERI’s objective analysis is also key to holding legislators accountable for their impact on Maine’s future economic success.”
 
MERI’s priority bills in both the first and second regular sessions of the 131st Legislature cover taxation, research and development, PFAS, data privacy, energy, labor, and appropriations. Specific bills include:
 

• Investment in Research and Development Bonding.  L.D. 416, “An Act to Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue for Research and Development and Commercialization.” (Support) The bill as amended provides for a $25 million bond issue for research and development to be approved by Maine voters by referendum.

 

• Increase in Income Tax Rates.  L.D. 1231, “An Act to Bring Fairness to Income Taxes to Maine Families by Adjusting the Tax Brackets.” (Oppose) The bill would increase income taxes for high earners in Maine by increasing the top rate from 7.15% to 8.45%.

 

• Establishment of Protectionist State Contracting.  L.D. 1983, “An Act to Establish the Maine Buy America and Build Maine Act.” (Oppose) The bill institutes certain stipulations for bidding work for the State of Maine that are unworkable with today’s supply chain and workforce issues.

 

• Sensible Reforms to Maine’s PFAS Law.  L.D. 1537, “An Act to Amend the Laws Relating to the Prevention of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Pollution and to Provide Additional Funding.” (Support) This legislation will put Maine in alignment with Minnesota in prohibiting some items containing PFAS while also allowing for the manufacturing and sale of federally regulated products that contain PFAS.

 

• Creation of New Video Streaming Fee.  L.D. 1967, “An Act to Support Municipal Franchise Agreements.” (Oppose) This legislation will impose a new tax and fees to streaming services by requiring franchise agreements with municipalities and technology upgrades for PEG.

 

• Restriction on Targeted Advertising.  L.D. 1977, “An Act to Create the Data Privacy and Protection Act.” (Oppose) This legislation’s narrow scope around data minimization would cut off Maine businesses ability to do targeted marketing, which has proven to help businesses bring in new customers and compete in the global marketplace.

 

• Permit Support for Port Infrastructure.  L.D. 2266, “An Act Regarding Offshore Wind Terminals Located in Coastal Sand Dune Systems.” (Support) This legislation would allow the DEP to grant a permit for port development in a coastal sand dune system on Sears Island if other permits and licensing are attained.

 

• Restriction of Noncompete Clauses.  L.D. 1496 "An Act to Restrict Noncompete Clauses." (Oppose) Vetoed by Gov. Mills, this legislation would have eliminated the use of noncompete clauses in the State of Maine.

 

• Increase of Overtime Threshold.  L.D. 513 "An Act Regarding Overtime Protections for Certain Maine Workers." (Oppose) This legislation would increase the overtime threshold to over $60,000/year before federal rules come out.

 

• Expansion of DOL Wage and Hour Authority.  L.D. 372 "An Act to Increase Enforcement and Accountability for Wage and Hour Violations." (Oppose) This legislation would give the Maine DOL the power to force businesses to pay back wages, including an increase in liquidated damages. 

 

• Increase of Fines for Wage and Hour Violations.  L.D. 2184 “Resolve, Regarding Legislative Review of Chapter 9: Rules Governing Administrative Civil Money Penalties for Labor Law Violations, a Major Substantive Rule of the Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Standards.” (Oppose) This legislation increases the minimum fine amount for wage and hour violations and promotes proactive enforcement, a drastic shift in DOL operations. 

 
In addition to the above referenced bills, bills not yet resolved that are being monitored closely include:
 

• Transportation Funding in State Supplemental Budget.  L.D. 2214, “An Act to Make Supplemental Appropriations and Allocations for the Expenditures of State Government, General Fund and Other Funds and to Change Certain Provisions of the Law Necessary to the Proper Operations of State Government for the Fiscal Years Ending June 30, 2024, and June 30, 2025."  (Monitor) Any proposals to divert and reduce funding from the highway budget will be adamantly opposed.

 
The full MERI “Watch List” can be found here or at www.me-ri.org/watch-list.
 
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About the Maine Economic Research Institute (MERI):
MERI is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit organization governed by a board of directors that includes Maine business owners, CEOs, and representatives from a diverse group of Maine employers. MERI’s board, advisors, and staff are focused on creating a healthy Maine economy, strong businesses, and quality jobs. MERI is affiliated with 10 statewide business associations and is administered by the Maine State Chamber of Commerce.

For Immediate Release                                                                                       Media contact: Jen Webber
​Thursday, April 11, 2024                                                                                                    Cell: 207-939-0213

​AUGUSTA, Maine (Thursday, April 11, 2024) – Business owners, business groups, and state and regional chambers of commerce outlined their concerns regarding proposed state data privacy legislation at a virtual roundtable discussion Wednesday morning. Speakers included representatives from the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, Bath-Brunswick Regional Chamber, HospitalityMaine, Craignair Inn by the Sea, Sea Bags, LLC and Luke’s Lobster.
 
Speakers urged caution on current proposed data privacy legislation before the Maine Legislature and addressed how the proposed legislation would hinder Maine businesses’ ability to effectively market their products and services online, detach Maine businesses from the global online marketplace and make Maine the most restricted state for businesses to advertise online.
 
Maine State Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Patrick Woodcock said, “Maine has prioritized the expansion broadband service and is beginning to connect more Maine goods and services to customers around the globe. However, LD 1977, the bill that has emerged from the Judiciary Committee, would make Maine an outlier in our regulatory framework, disconnecting Maine businesses from global commerce. The Maine State Chamber of Commerce urges caution in regulating this commerce at the state-level and recommends building on the work of other states that have protected privacy while maintaining targeted advertising.”
 
Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce CEO Quincy Hentzel said, “This bill impacts every business of every size in Maine, especially small businesses. Digital targeted marketing is how
they market. It’s a way they can wisely use marketing dollars to reach the consumers who most likely want their products and services. The proposed data privacy legislation currently under consideration would put Maine businesses at a competitive disadvantage, and even with an exemption for small businesses, the critical tools small businesses use will no longer be at their disposal.”
 
Innkeeper Greg Soutiea of Craignair Inn by the Sea and Causeway Restaurant in St. George, who also serves on the board of directors of the Penobscot Bay Chamber of Commerce, questioned how his business can effectively advertise “without the benefit of data available in the digital sphere.” He said, “Maine is already at a disadvantage on the global stage. If we lose this footing, our ability to connect with the exact consumers who want to spend their time and money here, Maine businesses will lose significant revenue streams.” He added, “With a limited budget for marketing, we can be deliberate and intentional with the dollars we spend on advertising. Our small businesses survive in large part due to our data-driven digital marketing practices. L.D. 1977 will undermine all the strides our state has made.”
 
Sea Bags, LLC President Beth Greenlaw said, “While this bill is well-intended, the unintended consequences to Maine businesses will be detrimental. Digital marketing gives us the ability to compete on a national level to keep our employees working, keep manufacturing here, and to grow our business and attract new talent to come to Maine to work with us. This bill is a losing proposition in many regards for Maine businesses.”
 
Meaghan Dillon, Vice President of Marketing for Luke’s Lobster, said, “Digital marketing was crucial to our business in 2020 when we were forced to close all of our restaurants temporarily, some permanently. It has become the main touchpoint attracting new customers and growing our business and brand awareness. Using digital marketing platforms is essential for us. In general, small businesses have small marketing budgets, and digital marketing is a better, more efficient use of dollars and manpower to be able to target potential customers on digital platforms. It is often yielding a higher ROI for us and helps us stand out from the competition.”
 
HospitalityMaine Director of Government Affairs Nate Cloutier said, “Our members – restaurant and lodging businesses - want to know they are on a level playing field with other states. These small businesses are the backbone of Maine’s economy. Their contributions to the success of our state’s economy are enormous. This is a classic case of good intent running into unintended consequences.”
 
Bath-Brunswick Regional Chamber Executive Director Cory King added, “Targeted marketing works. The tools we use today are how businesses market today. They don’t have the budgets to do targeted advertising compared to the affordability of online targeted marketing. If you can’t use Facebook or other online marketing technologies, how can you market your business or service? This is going to take a huge tool out of the toolboxes for large and small businesses.”
 
Maine State Chamber President Patrick Woodcock added, “The perspectives shared Wednesday morning paint a troubling picture for Maine businesses’ ability to compete in today’s online global marketplace. It was important for all participants to come together and have their voices heard on this issue. We strongly encourage the Legislature to take into account their perspectives on how proposed data privacy legislation will be extremely harmful to businesses of all sizes and sectors across Maine, and to our state’s economy.”
 
Please click here for the recording of the April 10, 2024 roundtable discussion on data privacy.

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